Kripalu Magazine April 2010

"I first heard about Kripalu around 10 years ago from a couple ofcolleagues who were also friends. While it didn’t interest me then,when one of the same friends mentioned it last year, I thought,“maybe.”

I looked through the catalog and Retreat and Renewal appealedto me. I felt like I needed to reflect and rejuvenate, and I was curiouswhat Kripalu was all about. I had no goals—maybe just take a yogaclass (I had only taken two or three of them in my life) and sit around onthe grass and look at the lake. I also knew, deep down, that I was readyto open my heart for more personal growth. I’m a cancer and traumasurvivor and had been doing deep work the couple of years prior to myvisit.

I went by myself over Memorial Day weekend, and I did relax atthe lake as I planned. I also unexpectedly found myself taking risksand stepping outside of the box with my food choices—I didn’t knowthe food would be that good! All week, I was able to be more mindfuland take better care of my body.

The most important moment for me was when I went to avinyasa yoga class. I used to dance a lot, and the movement and flowwere perfect for me. My experience in that class helped me get toknow myself in a different way, and I fell in love with my body. I keptgoing, and I found the teachers incredibly helpful and respectful asthey offered adjustments in the poses. I moved into deep places ofacceptance in those classes.

When I got back home, I was more relaxed than I’d ever been.Those three days at Kripalu were about feeling safe enough to feelvulnerable. It opened up my heart. It helped me to not focus on thepast or future, to let go of worries and negative thoughts—to feelgood in the present. Yoga is a big part of my life now. I go to vinyasayoga classes four times a week. It’s made my perceptions muchclearer and enriched my life.

I left Kripalu realizing that I can trust myself and my intuition. Idecided it was time to overcome some fears and reclaim my right tohaving a full life.

If I could, I’d pack my bags and bring all my clients to Kripalu. Iwant to share Kripalu with everyone, and just pay it forward."